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Victory: 1987 Senior TPC
By 1987 Gary Player was having so much fun on the Seniors Tour and was really enjoying competing again. …
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Player’s 52nd Masters will be the Last
Apr 6, 2009 |
Filed Under: General News |
Comments: 2
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, USA—Following his first practice round today at the Masters Tournament, Gary Player announced at a press conference that this, his 52nd and record-setting appearance, will be his last.
At 73 years of age, the Black Knight will tee it up for the 52nd time this week at Augusta National where he donned a Green Jacket in 1961, 1974 and 1978. This means Player will have spent one full year of his life competing in the Masters, beginning in 1957 at the age of 21.
While feeling as fit and healthy as ever, Player’s decision is based purely on the fact that he can no longer compete at Augusta National – despite his surprising 2nd round score of 78 last year that beat more than half the field. Consequently, he recently made a personal decision to make his 52nd Masters appearance, and what will be his 164th tournament round at Augusta National, his last.
“I can’t begin to express the fond memories I have of the Masters and everything that comes with it… slipping into the Green Jacket; the Southern hospitality of the patrons; the interviews under the oak tree, the rigorous competition; the Champions Dinner; the roars on Amen Corner; the drive down Magnolia Lane. I’m going to miss walking up the 18th fairway each year, but my time has come to say goodbye as a competitor,” said Gary Player before formally making the announcement to the press.
Three victories, 15 top ten finishes, a record 23 consecutive cuts and 52 years later, Gary Player joins seven fellow South Africans in the field this week, including last year’s Champion Trevor Immelman. Immelman is the 2nd South African to win a Green Jacket after Player, who became the first international champion in 1961.
Gary Player has also been a two-time runner-up at the Masters (1962 & 1965) and has finished in the top five on eight occasions. He surpassed Arnold Palmer’s record of 50 Masters appearances when he competed for the 51st time last year, shooting a 78 on Friday under difficult conditions. Player deems that one of his best rounds of all time at the Masters – certainly in his top ten.
Click here to watch the press conference online.
For a complete transcript of Gary Player’s press conference at Augusta National on Monday, April 6, 2009 visit www.asapsports.com.
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